Over a million visitors travel to the rock-cut architectural wonders of Petra , Jordan each year .

The magnificent rose-red city was first established sometime in the 6th century B.C. by an ancient nomadic tribe called the Nabataeans .

At the crossroads between Arabia , Egypt , and Syria-Phonecia , it became one of the most vibrant trading hubs in the region -- a caravan center for the silks of China , the spices of India and the incense of Arabia .

Today , tourists must make the two kilometer walk down a narrow gorge known as `` The Siq '' before being rewarded with the awe-inspiring sight of the dusky-pink face of Al-Khazneh or the `` Treasury . ''

It is the first of an array of magnificent sights , including elaborate rock-cut tombs , sacrificial altars , a roman amphitheater and the Al-Deir monastery , housed in the 264,000 square meters of Petra Archeological Park .

Few realize that among these relics of an ancient people there are still those living in the area that maintain the traditional nomadic way of life .

'' -LRB- The Bedouins -RRB- are here as controller for these caves , for all Petra . Because Petra is very important to them , '' said Jehad Hamadeen of the Petra Archaeological Park .

The Bedouin community has been drifting across the sand since long before Jordan existed . The name in their native tongue of Arabic literally means `` desert dwellers , '' and for centuries they have carved a life in this harsh landscape .

Despite often being isolated , the Bedouin people are known for their hospitality to travelers and are often happy to share a meal with visitors they come across .

`` My happiness is here . I love this place , '' said Um Mohammed , a Petra resident and Bedouin native . `` I walk around in these lands , these open lands . No one tells me what to do , -LRB- I -RRB- am by myself . ''

Abu Ismail is another Bedouin living in the deserts of Jordan . His family lives in two rooms in cavern carved out of a mountain rock face and consider protecting Petra a duty of the Bedouin people .

`` Yes it is our duty , and the duty of the government , '' he said . `` It is an archaeological site . This is the most important thing . ''

But Ismail also points out that the Bedouin way of life needs to be protected and old traditions need to be upheld .

He says : `` The best things about it -LRB- are -RRB- the fresh air , no traffic and street hassle . It is the Bedouin life , it 's great .

Ismail admits to knowing nothing about the internet and , while his family continues to live amongst Jordan 's ancient heritage , life is good enough for him .

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Petra in southern Jordan is visited by over one million tourists annually

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The ancient city is carved directly into rock and was established around the 6th century B.C.

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Bedouin tribes or `` desert dwellers '' still walk these lands and have done for centuries